First-Year College Essentials 2025 – Must-Have Gadgets & Accessories for Students
Starting college is exciting — but also a bit overwhelming when you think about all the stuff you might need. Don’t worry, you don’t have to buy everything at once, and you don’t need to waste money on things you won’t use.
Here’s a practical, no-fluff guide to what you actually need in your first year — based on my own experience.
💻 Laptop – Your New “Hamsafar” for 4 Years
A laptop is the most important investment in your college life. It’ll be with you through lectures, assignments, coding, movies, late-night research, and maybe even Netflix marathons.
Golden Rules for Buying a Laptop:
- Always go for a new one (second-hand might give you trouble later).
- Minimum Specs: 16 GB RAM + 512 GB SSD (for speed and future-proofing).
My Recommendations:
- Best Value – ₹62,000
- Premium Pick – ₹70,000
- Budget Option – ₹38,000 (only if you can’t afford the above; otherwise, not recommended)
🖱 Mouse – For Speed & Comfort
If you work a lot on your laptop, a mouse makes things faster and easier. I’ve been using these for years:
⌨ Keyboard – For Typing Speed
If you do coding, note-taking, or assignments regularly, an external keyboard can boost your typing speed and comfort.
🧮 Calculator – Must for Math & Exams
If you’re in engineering, science, or any math-heavy course, you need this for your exams.
🎧 Neckband – For Tutorials & Focus
Not mandatory, but helps if you watch lectures or need to focus in noisy environments.
💡 Pro Tip – Buy Old Items Cheaper
You can get second-hand items from seniors at much lower rates here: studentsenior.com/college/integral-university/store
🎒 Final Words – Start with these essentials. Over time, you’ll figure out what else you need for your course and lifestyle. Remember: Invest in quality for things you’ll use daily.